SAMA Health Summit 2026

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South African Medical Association (SAMA) Health Summit 2026

SAMA Merit Awards

Nominations are now open.

Click here to nominate

Human Rights and Health

SAMA Medal of Honour

Criteria:

  • Can be awarded to a non- medical practitioner,
  • Promotes access to healthcare and medicines as a fundamental human right,
  • Advocates for marginalised populations and contributes to alleviating human suffering,
  • Demonstrates exceptional humanitarian service and personal sacrifice,
  • Makes a significant impact on advancing human rights and health nationally and/or globally,
  • Displays courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Criteria:

  • For organisations and/or individuals in social justice activism
  • Advocates for transformative changes promoting equity and justice in healthcare,
  • Leads initiatives to address systemic inequalities in access to healthcare services.
  • Demonstrates commitment to unity and equal opportunity across diverse communities within the medical profession.
  • Champions the rights of underserved communities, including indigent and differently abled.

Medicine Award

Fellowship in Science of Medicine Award

Criteria:

  • Recognised (nationally and/ or internationally) for contributing outstandingly to the teaching and practice of medicine,
  • Awarded to a medical practitioner who is an academic at institutions of higher learning and/ or research centres,
  • Published in reputable peer reviewed scientific journals and demonstrates impact on the broader medical community,
  • Demonstrates excellence in both the scientific and humanistic aspects of medicine, and 
  • Contributes significantly to advancing medical knowledge, patient care, and ethical standards

Criteria:

  • Makes exceptional contributions to a specialised field/ discipline of medicine,
  • Engages in community-oriented work that extends beyond traditional medical practice,
  • Exemplifies dedication to healthcare serving as an inspiration to others,
  • Exhibits leadership and advocacy for healthcare advancement at local, national, or international levels.

Criteria:

  • Demonstrated a lifetime commitment to the practice of medicine with distinction.
  • Achieved notable professional accomplishments and made enduring contributions to the medical field.
  • Served as a role model for future generations of healthcare professionals.
  • Contributed to the betterment of society through exemplary patient care, education, and advocacy.

Criteria:

  • Recognised for distinguished leadership to both the medical profession and broader community.
  • Exemplifies selflessness and dedication to serving others without seeking personal gain.
  • Advocates for the interests of marginalised and vulnerable populations.
  • Inspires others through actions that embody the values of medicine as a noble calling.
  • Showing leadership and mentoring of the younger generation of doctors.

Criteria:

  • Age not exceeding 35 years at the time of nomination.
  • Medical practitioner who has demonstrated leadership and innovation in a chosen field of practice.
  • Nominated and/ or endorsed by SARA and/ or JUDASA
  • Exhibits commitment to serving the community and advocacy for healthcare reform

Criteria:

  • Can be awarded to more than one candidate,
  • Published outstanding research in a reputable peer-reviewed scientific journal,
  • Research demonstrates noteworthy contributions to advancing social value in medical knowledge and practice,
  • Recognised by peers and supervisor for excellence in research methodology, innovation, and impact
  • Outstanding results in Collages of Medicine SA fellowship exams

Criteria:

  • Can be awarded to more than one candidate,
  • Practicing medical doctor for at least 10 years,
  • Makes a significant difference in the community through compassionate patient care and advocacy,
  • Demonstrates empathy and commitment to addressing healthcare needs, regardless of practice setting (private or public),
  • Nominations must highlight tangible examples of impact on patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare system.

Loyalty Awards to SAMA

SAMA Award of the Year

Criteria:

  • Nominee must be a SAMA member and/ or employee of the Association,
  • Demonstrates distinguished service to SAMA of an extraordinary nature.
  • Makes significant contributions to advancing the goals and mission of SAMA.
  • Engages in initiatives that promote professional development, advocacy, and solidarity within the medical community.
  • Nominations should provide specific examples of leadership and impact within SAMA and the broader healthcare landscape.

Criteria:

  • Need not be a medical practitioner,
  • Honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the medical field or society,
  • Recognises lifetime achievements or significant impact in a specific area of medicine or public health,
  • Celebrates individuals who embody the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence in healthcare,
  • Nominations should provide a compelling rationale for the nominee’s extraordinary legacy or contributions.

These revised criteria aim to ensure that each award reflects contemporary values, addresses current challenges in healthcare, and recognizes individuals who have made meaningful and enduring contributions to the field of medicine.